Gov't. Shutdown Could Soon Slow Down Air Travel

ROMULUS (WWJ) - Flying the friendly skies might not be so friendly if the federal shutdown continues.

Right now the flight monitors are on time and TSA wait lines are minimal, but Detroit Metro Airport spokesman Mike Conway says in a few weeks it could be a different story as those TSA scanners and Customs and Border agents max out on overtime hours.

"If overtime is not available to them then we could see some longer lines in passenger screening. In terms of customs and border protection, it's likely again we may see longer lines," says Conway.

Conway says there are enough overtime hours for the coming weeks, but traveling could become dicey if the shutdown isn't remedied by the end of the month.

"The airports as a group of businesses are concerned about this, so we're keeping a close eye on it in the interest of the convenience for our customers," he says.

Conway adds, "We are concerned. Airports Council International and American Association of Airport Executives, we've let the administration and the Congress know."